The Incubator Global Neonatal Podcast

In this episode, we explore a decade-long journey to transform newborn care in Ghana's Hohoe region, focusing on family systems of care, cross-cultural research collaborations, and innovative training approaches. In this episode we explore •The healthcare landscape for small and sick newborns in Ghana's Volta region•The concept and application of family systems care versus family-centered care•Development and adaptation of practical tools like genograms and echo maps for local    contexts•Training healthcare providers in communication and relationship-building with families•Case studies of integrating family involvement into neonatal care and outcomes•The journey of collaborative research between colleaguesResources mentioned in episode: Families' Perception of Cognitive and Emotional Support From Healthcare Professionals Across the Maternal and Newborn Care Continuum https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41546394/Family systems care approaches and methodologies for maternal, newborn and child health in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12529736/Experiences of families and health professionals along the care continuum for low-birth weight neonates: A constructivist grounded theory study https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jan.15566ContactGeorge Edward Ntow LinkedInChristina Schuler LinkedInJessica Honya-Tsiewu Linkedin

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann sit down with Dr. Bharati Datta and Dr. Josel Doyle for a conversation that spans four decades and one very full circle moment. Over 40 years ago, Dr. Datta arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from India as the only pediatrician on the island. One of the tiny preterm babies she cared for, weighing barely over a pound at discharge, grew up to become a neonatologist herself. That baby is Dr. Doyle.Together we explore, Dr. Datta’s journey where she shares what it took to build neonatal care from almost nothing: from working with administration, to working with the mothers who became the original NICU staff,  working towards the Eastern Caribbean's first Baby-Friendly Hospital designation, and the hard-won lessons about ownership, resourcefulness, and community that every clinician working in a low-resource setting needs to hear.

In this episode, Shelly-Ann and Mbozu sit down with a few members of the Parents Neonatal Intensive Care Charity affiliated with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. Heidi and Andrew Hutchinson, parents of a baby born at 30 weeks who is now a practicing lawyer, share how they transitioned from frightened NICU parents to decades-long advocates. June Walton and Cheryl Walrond, retired NICU nurses, describe building the first parent education sessions and the culture of care that followed. What began as a Thursday evening Q&A between overwhelmed parents and NICU nurses in the early 1990s grew into a registered charity that funded system improvements over time. These included  refurbishing  every incubator in the unit, securing  surfactant in the early days before it was on national drug formulary, purchasing a portable X-Ray machine among many other initiatives.

Dr. Naiza Ngowo Monono, the sole pediatrician at Limbe Regional Hospital in Cameroon for nearly a decade, shares how she reduced neonatal mortality to 16 per 1,000—well below the national average. Key interventions included implementing hygiene protocols, training staff on danger sign recognition and neonatal resuscitation, task-shifting responsibilities to nurses and general practitioners, scaling Kangaroo Mother Care, and partnering with UNICEF to train referral hospitals for earlier identification and transfer. Dr. Ngowo Monono emphasizes starting with available resources, building team capacity through mentorship, and maintaining discipline in planning. She advocates for multidisciplinary post-discharge follow-up and improved respiratory care as next priorities for advancing newborn outcomes.

Join hosts Shelly-Ann Dakarai and Mbozu Sipalo as they celebrate two incredible years of the Global Neonatal Podcast! Dive into their journey of global connections, where starting small, embracing teamwork, and learning from diverse neonatal health heroes have been key. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing listeners—your support fuels our passion! We're excited to continue this journey and bring you more inspiring stories from neonatal change makers in 2026.

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Jean Musonda-Chintende, a critical care nurse and national trainer in advanced newborn care with the Ministry of Health in Zambia. Jean shares her decade-long journey in neonatal intensive care and her leadership in building and mentoring neonatal units across the country.She discusses the process of setting up special care baby units in hospitals that previously lacked neonatal services, including assessing facility readiness, training staff, and ensuring standardized care through continued mentorship. Jean highlights partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF and Clinton Health Access Initiative that support equipment and training efforts.The conversation also touches on the challenges of workforce retention, the importance of continuous education for nurses, and the power of recognition in maintaining morale. Jean reflects on her role in Zambia’s historic 2017 conjoined twins separation, how that experience shaped her approach to critical care, and her personal mission to reduce neonatal mortality through training and compassion.A deeply practical conversation about scaling neonatal care in resource-limited settings and the dedication it takes to make lasting change.

In this episode, Dr. Ruth Grace Babirekoba discusses the transformative efforts in newborn care in Uganda, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals. She shares insights on the National Surfactant Administration Protocol and her personal journey in maternal and newborn health, highlighting the significance of mentorship and self-care for future leaders in healthcare.

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Dr Kate Kan, Consultant Pediatrician and the director of the Neonatal Unit at theRegional hospital in Bamenda Cameroon. During the discussion, Dr Kan describes her journey from aspiring pediatrician to her current role as the head of the Neonatal Unit at her institution. She describes some of the challenges as well as  the progress that is being made to improve neonatal care in her region. Dr. Kan also highlights the impact of mentorship in her journey and shares her views on how  mentorship not only guides individual careers but also enhances neonatal care in resource-limited settings.

In this episode, Mbozu interviews Dr. Olufunke Bolaji, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti, shares her journey into neonatology, driven by mentorship, a love for children, and global learning experiences in Nigeria and the UK. She describes leading a high-performing neonatal unit in a rural Nigerian setting that has achieved Level 3 care, supported by strong hospital administration and collaborations. Her research focuses on preterm births, neonatal sepsis, respiratory support, and newborn metrics, with emphasis on data-driven quality improvement. As a leader in the African Neonatal Association, she champions collaboration, advocacy, and “decolonizing” neonatal research by centering African-led priorities and implementation. She highlights the importance of teamwork, mentorship, data, and partnerships in merging clinical care with impactful research.

In this episode, Shelly-Ann interviews Professor Karen Walker and Edith Gicheha about the importance of specialized training in neonatal nursing, the challenges faced in low and middle-income contexts, and the role of COIN (Council of International Neonatal Nurses) in advocating for improved neonatal care globally. They discuss the significance of continuous education, the establishment of the Community of Nursing Practice, and the impact of NEST 360 in providing essential solutions and training for neonatal care. The conversation highlights inspiring stories of nurses making a difference in their communities and the importance of collaboration in improving neonatal health outcomes. 

In this episode, Tasmin Bota shares her  journey as a mother of a premature baby and the founder of Preemie Connect. Tasmin shares about her traumatic birth experience, the challenges faced in the NICU, and the lack of emotional support for parents of premature infants. Tasmin also highlights the motivation behind creating Preemie Connect as a way to fill the gap in support and resources for families dealing with prematurity. The conversation also touches on the current initiatives of Preemie Connect and the ongoing fight for better emotional care in neonatal units. The discussion also highlights the importance of community support, the impact of language used by healthcare providers, and the systemic issues that affect preemie care in South Africa. Tasmin also outlines her vision for the future of Preemie Connect and the necessary policy changes to improve outcomes for preemie families.

In this conversation, the guests from World Pediatrics discuss their mission to improve pediatric healthcare, particularly focusing on neonatal care. They highlight the significant global issues of infant mortality and the need for advanced healthcare access in underserved communities. The discussion covers the organization's history, the shift towards neonatal care, funding challenges, and the importance of building sustainable partnerships with local governments and communities. They also explore innovative strategies for capacity building and the adaptability of their programs in different settings. This conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of pediatric care in the Eastern Caribbean, focusing on the OECS. The speakers discuss the importance of regional cooperation, capacity building initiatives, and the need for community-centric approaches to healthcare. They highlight the significance of data sharing, training, and sustainable practices in improving neonatal care across the islands. The discussion also emphasizes the role of organizations like World Pediatrics in facilitating these efforts and the importance of connecting with healthcare professionals to enhance pediatric health outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Marlon Timothy shares his journey as a neonatologist, discussing his experiences in Trinidad and Tobago and the evolution of neonatal care. He highlights the challenges faced upon returning from training in Toronto, the establishment of neonatal units, and the implementation of therapeutic hypothermia. Dr. Timothy emphasizes the importance of training and collaboration in improving neonatal outcomes and shares insights into the ongoing efforts to enhance maternal and neonatal health in Trinidad and Tobago. In this conversation, Dr. Marlon Timothy discusses various innovative interventions in neonatal care, the importance of funding and government support, the training and development of neonatologists, the role of research and data in improving care, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in a demanding field. He emphasizes the need for global collaboration to enhance neonatal outcomes and shares insights from his experiences in Trinidad and Tobago.

In this episode, Dr. Rajesh Mehta  shares his extensive journey in pediatrics, detailing the evolution of newborn care in India, the challenges faced in providing quality healthcare, and the importance of continuous improvement in neonatal care practices. The conversation highlights the significant strides made in reducing neonatal mortality rates while addressing the ongoing challenges in healthcare infrastructure and quality of care. In this conversation, Dr. Mehta also discusses the importance of establishing frameworks for quality care in maternal and newborn health. He emphasizes the need for a national structure to support quality standards and the role of global initiatives in enhancing healthcare systems. The discussion also highlights  Point of Care Quality Improvement (POCQI) strategies that empower healthcare teams to improve care delivery without requiring additional resources. Dr. Mehta also addresses the significance of integrating quality improvement into training programs, the necessity of addressing upstream determinants of newborn mortality and the importance of  collaboration and teamwork in healthcare settings.

In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, Dr. Om Krishna Pathak shares his journey into neonatology, his experiences at Bharatpur Hospital in Nepal, and the various initiatives he has implemented to improve neonatal care. He discusses the challenges faced in developing a NICU, the importance of empowering nursing staff, and the significance of quality improvement projects. Dr. Pathak also highlights the role of mentorship in his career, the implementation of POCUS in neonatal care, and the ongoing efforts to train more healthcare providers in Nepal.

In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, Dr. Msandeni Chiume-Kayuni shares her inspiring journey into pediatrics and neonatal health in Malawi. As the chief pediatrician for Malawi's Ministry of Health, she discusses the significant strides made in neonatal survival, the importance of data collection, and the role of partnerships in improving healthcare outcomes. Dr. Msandeni emphasizes the need for infrastructure and human resources in neonatal care and shares valuable insights on how clinicians can be the change they wish to see in their communities.

In this special episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, hosts Mbozu and Shelly-Ann take a reflective journey through the year, revisiting key insights from conversations with four inspiring change makers in newborn health: Dr. Kunda Kapembwa (Zambia), Dr. Clyde Cave and Dr. Gillian Birchwood (Barbados), Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna (Brazil), and Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi (India).

This episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast features reflections from the Tiny Feet Big Steps Conference, highlighting the growth and impact of neonatal care initiatives in Africa. Dr. Steven Swanson and Dr. Margaret Nakaketo share insights on the importance of networking, quality improvement, and the future of neonatology in the region. The conversation emphasizes collaboration, the need for real-time translation in training, and the significance of engaging with healthcare systems and government for better newborn care.

In this episode, Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, a professor of pediatrics at McGill University, shares his journey in neonatology and his work in Brazil and Canada. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in neonatal care and the differences between the healthcare systems in Brazil and Canada. Dr. Sant’Anna  also talks about the impact of the Neonatologia Brasil Facebook group, which he created to facilitate knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals in Brazil. He highlights the development of an educational website and the adoption of the 10 basic steps for neonatal care and perinatal asphyxia by the Brazilian government. Dr. Guilherme Sant'Anna emphasizes the importance of visiting units and seeing the reality on the ground to identify areas for improvement. He also discusses the concept of a Smart NICU, which aims to simplify monitoring and improve the interaction between babies, families, and healthcare professionals. In closing, Dr. Sant’Anna  offers advice for those wanting to make a difference, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and approaching change with optimism and respect.

In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, hosts Mbozu and Shelly- Ann interview Dr. Gae Mundundu and Dr. Ritah Nazziwa, neonatal fellows in the African Paediatric Fellowship Program (APFP) at the University of Cape Town. During the conversation Dr. Mundundu and Dr Nazziwa  discuss neonatal services in their home countries of Zambia and Uganda, as well as their experiences as neonatal fellows. They highlight the challenges and opportunities in neonatal care in their respective countries, including the need for improved infrastructure and the importance of basic interventions. They also discuss the APFP which aims to empower African paediatricians and improve child health outcomes by providing specialized training and mentorship. Dr. Mundundu and Dr. Nazziwa also share about their day-to-day experiences as fellows, emphasizing the continuous learning process, the  practical application of knowledge and the diverse roles and responsibilities of a neonatology fellow.

In this episode of the Global Neonatal Podcast, the hosts interview Dr. Emily Njuguna  and Kimberly Mansen MSPH RDN  from PATH to discuss the importance of human milk in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the strategies used to support lactation. The guests highlight the challenges faced by mothers in LMICs and  emphasize the importance of early lactation support for mothers of the most vulnerable newborns. Emily and Kimberly  discuss the three-pronged approach of kangaroo mother care, lactation support, and human milk banks in providing human milk for babies in LMICs. They also shared examples of successful initiatives, such as the establishment of a human milk bank in Kenya, and discussed plans for scaling up these programs in other countries.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Swanson shares his journey of establishing a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Arusha, Tanzania. He emphasizes the importance of addressing medical culture and involving nurses, doctors, and families in the care of critically ill and premature babies. Dr. Swanson highlights the success of a low-tech approach, including the use of blended, warmed, and humidified CPAP, and the importance of attention to detail, thermal regulation, respiratory support, nutrition, and infection prevention. He also discusses the challenges of relying on donated equipment and the need for innovative biomedical engineering solutions.  Dr. Swanson also highlights the need for appropriate training and skill development for healthcare providers, as well as the importance of collaboration and sharing of best practices. He shares his experience in organizing the Tiny Feet Big Steps African Neonatology Conference, which aims to provide practical skills and knowledge to healthcare professionals in Africa. Dr. Swanson also discusses his vision for the Institute for Child Healthcare Africa, which aims to promote quality pediatric care and build a mother and child hospital in Tanzania.

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Professor Pradeep Suryawanshi, a neonatologist, researcher and educator from Pune India. Professor Suryanwanshi discusses his journey as a neonatologist and his work in India and Australia, the process of developing a neonatal care unit and the importance of mentorship. He also discusses  factors contributing to India's progress in neonatal care, the challenges and progress in implementing surfactant therapy as well as advice on work-life balance.

In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Dr. Clyde Cave and Dr. Gillian Birchwood. The conversation explores the neonatal care in Barbados, focusing on the challenges faced and the incremental changes made to improve the care provided. Dr. Cave and Dr. Birchwood provide an overview of the NICU in Barbados, the early years of the NICU, human resource development, financial challenges and fundraising, dealing with pushbacks, and internal pushback with changing practices. The conversation highlights the importance of advocating for neonatal care and the need for continuous improvement in the face of limited resources.

In this episode, Dr. Nkuranga and Dr. Hadfield discuss their journey into neonatology and their current roles in Rwanda's healthcare system. They also discuss the development of the Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship Program in Rwanda and the collaborations and stakeholder involvement that were required to establish the program. They also share their experiences of living and working in Rwanda, as well as the challenges of balancing work and family. The conversations concludes with advice for individuals in leadership positions and an invitation for collaboration.

Dr. Jennifer Harling, a pediatrician and medical missionary in Burundi, shares her experiences and challenges in providing healthcare in a low-resource setting. She discusses the decision to do medical mission work, the background of Burundi and the hospital where she works, the language and cultural challenges she faced, and the improvements she has made in neonatal care. Dr. Harling also talks about staying inspired and connected, her role in medical education, and the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life.

In this episode, Shelly-Ann, Ben, and Gabriel discuss the Newborn Toolkit with Dr. Joy Lawn, Dr. Mbozu Sipalo, and Lauren Allison from the Newborn Toolkit Team. They highlight the importance of newborn care, the challenges faced in providing adequate care globally, and the development of the Newborn Toolkit to address these challenges. Newborn Toolkit link - https://newborntoolkit.org/toolkit

Dr. Kunda Mutesu-Kapembwa is a Paediatrician and Neonatologist working in Zambia. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, a Master in Paediatrics and Child Health, a Certificate and Master of Philosophy in Neonatology. Her career is dedicated to nursing and doctors’ education and to the health of neonates and their families. She Co-founded Newborn Support Zambia, a not for profit Non-Governmental Organization to help improve the care of neonates in Zambia.https://www.the-incubator.org/post/176-global-neonatal-pod-pioneering-neonatology-in-zambia-with-dr-kunda-mutesu-kapwemb